BRIDGEBUILDER diary #7. “Be More Bunting” — Reflections from Our First Women in Communities Breakfast in Newcastle
“Be More Bunting” — Reflections from Our First Women in Communities Breakfast in Newcastle
This morning, we gathered for our very first Women in Communities breakfast in Newcastle — and what a morning it was! We’ve been sharing breakfast in Gateshead every month for the last four years, and with 150 women on our mailing list, it’s about time we spanned the Tyne!
Over cups of tea and a table full of warmth prepared by Helen Simmons and her team, women from both sides of the Tyne came together at the Forum Café in Shieldfield to connect, share stories, and reflect on what it means to build communities of care.
We talked about the importance of women in recovery, and shared updates about the Naloxone training that’s coming up in November — a small but vital step toward safety, support, and empowerment.
Our conversation flowed (as it always does) into bigger questions about belonging and symbolism — and someone beautifully put it: “Let’s be more bunting.”
Rather than flags that can sometimes divide or cause unease, the group spoke about how crocheted bunting feels softer, more human — a way to decorate our shared spaces with welcome instead of worry.
One lady said that she was so cross that her roundabout had been painted with a St George’s Cross on it, that she wanted to “Be more battenburg” and paint the 4 corners yellow and pink! Very sadly, her neighbour hadn’t wanted to leave the house as she was scared by the flags along the lampposts.
Of course, no Women in Communities breakfast is complete without the teapot — our unofficial symbol of connection. As one person said, the teapot isn’t just for pouring tea; it’s for creating eye contact, slowing down, and helping people feel like they belong.
It was a gentle, hopeful morning — full of laughter, honesty, and a sense that together we can keep building bridges between Gateshead and Newcastle, one breakfast (and one pot of tea) at a time.
Our next gathering will be at Bensham Grove Community Centre on Tuesday 11th November 8.30 - 10am, where we’ll continue the conversation — and keep “being more bunting.”
This group is for women living and working in and around Gateshead who have an interest in community power. We meet regularly ( once a month on a Tuesday morning) at 8.30 for breakfast. We then spend an hour sharing what's happening in the community and how best we can support each other.
This is a group for women to link up with other women and to showcase the amazing work they are doing in Gateshead.
Please let me know if you can attend so that we can provide breakfast for you all.
Christinefrazerbenshamgrove@gmail.com☕💛
